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News Fri Sep 20 2013
How Much Can You Carry?
DJ Algoriddim is staring at a huge pile of furniture. He has his eyes on a set of bass scoops buried in a corner. By now, he knows the routine. Vince the store manager laid out the rules: You have to dig items out yourself and be able to carry them out the door without assistance -- if you want the 10 dollar deal. With a smile, DJ Algoriddim starts climbing the pile.
For the past six years Charles McGary has operated the only African-American owned auction house in Chicago. The building on the 8400 block of Cottage Grove is huge. Three floors packed with items bought at estate liquidations and storage auctions. A constant flow of merchandise. The first floor is an auction house and store. The second and third floors are used as warehouse and storage. Charles has decided it's time to close. He could auction everything off -- but he came up with a better idea. Ten dollar entry fee -- all you can carry -- free.
Charles explains.
"We have 30,000 square feet of packed warehouse space. We are liquidating it all by letting people come in - spend $10 and they can take out as much as they can. Anything. The pots, the pans, the stereos, the down blankets -- even a television. If you can carry it out by yourself, it's yours for 10 bucks. Right now we're getting 100 to 150 people a day. We have workers constantly bringing down fresh merchandise from the 2nd and 3rd floors."
"Most people can carry out about four or five milk crates at a time. They have to be able to carry it all out. You can't drag it or pull it -- it's all you can carry. You can come back as many times as you want for another $10. It's $3 if you just want to look."
Looking towards the back of the store, DJ Algoriddim has managed to free the bass scoops from the pile. He's wheeling them towards the front. Vince and few customers gather around to see if he can lift the massive speakers for the $10 deal.
Algoriddim grabs the handle and with grunt lifts the first bass scoop through the door. The second scoop joins the first. He pays Vince $20, stops to catch his breath and then wheels them toward his pick-up truck. He calls out over his shoulder.
"Best deal in the city."
Landmark Liquidations
7439 S. Cottage Grove
Sale is this Friday through Sunday, noon to 8pm.
773-491-2577
DJ Algoriddim / September 24, 2013 12:11 AM
Nice article! Correct spelling is "Algoriddim" Cheers.